Former Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema visited China Foreign Affairs University(CFAU) on May 18, 2017. Secretary of the Party Committee of CFAU Ambassador Qi Dayu, accompanied by Wu Xiaoping, director of Foreign Affairs Office and Qu Bo, director of the Institute of International Relations, met with D'Alema and his delegation.

Secretary Qi Dayu extended his warm welcome to D'Alema and his delegation and briefed on the facts of CFAU and China Diplomatic Training Institute (CDTI).

Mr. D'Alema said he was an old friend of the Chinese people and a strong supporter of China-Euro relations. He hoped that China and Europe could achieve win-win cooperation and play a greater role in international order and global governance in the future.

D'Alema delivered a speech on China-Euro relations at the 1103 conference room of the International Exchange Center. Qu Bo, director of the Institute of International Relations, presided over the speech. D'Alema recalled his visits to China during his term as Prime Minister and expressed admiration for the changes and achievements of China in recent years. China-Italy cooperation has a long history. A few centuries before Marco Polo and Matteo Ricci had already visited and introduced China to Europe.

D'Alema said that there are frequent exchanges and cooperation between China and Europe in the fields of economy, trade, science and technology, culture and education, etc. At present, the countries across the globe, including Europe, are faced with economic, environmental, security and other problems, which poses challenges to global and regional governance. Only by strengthening communication, dialogue and exchanges can China and Europe address these challenges and have common progress and shared prosperity. “The One Belt and One Road” initiative will be a good opportunity for China and Europe to strengthen cooperation.

After the speech, D'Alema answered the students’ questions on European financial and debt crisis, globalization and populism, “The One Belt and One Road ” and China-EU cooperation, etc.

Massimo D'Alema served as Italian Prime Minister from 1998 to 2000. He has visited China several times and is currently Chairman of the Foundation for European Progressive Studies.